Who Do They Like? Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Trainers Make Belmont Picks

“If Justify doesn’t bring his top game, I like Vino Rosso," said Norm Casse

As Grade 1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Preakness Stakes winner Justify attempts to make history by becoming the 13th Triple Crown winner, trainers from Churchill Downs and Santa Anita provided their picks for the 150th running of the G1 Belmont Stakes.

“Buff” Bradley – “I liked Hofburg and Good Magic in the Derby so I'll have to think Hofburg will run well in the Belmont. It will obviously be tough to beat Justify.”

Pat Byrne – “Can't Justify any other horse.”

Bret Calhoun – “I don't think anyone will be able to beat Justify. It was interesting looking at the track condition for the Preakness. It sort of seemed like the track was pretty sticky and Bob (Baffert) and Jimmy (Barnes) told me the horses looked exhausted cooling out after the race. However, the way Justify was able to bounce out of that race and train the last few weeks here at Churchill, it showed me he is in great shape for the Belmont.”

Tim Glyshaw – “In my opinion, Justify will win. You have to be close to the pace to win 1 ½-mile races and I don't think anyone else can stay close to him.”

Neil Howard – “He just sort of takes your breath away. The way Bob's program is run is phenomenal. Everyone involved is so crucial to getting a horse to compete at the highest level to win the Triple Crown. I love what he's been able to do with Martin Garcia. He knows the horse so well and Bob trusts Martin to give the right feedback while he's on horseback. Martin is a true student of the game and I think that helps make Justify successful.”

Rob O'Connor II – “I certainly wouldn't want to bet against Justify. For all we know, he may not have even liked a wet track. He looked the best horses in the eye in the Preakness and still held them off.”

Dallas Stewart – “You have to go with Justify. In my opinion he's the fastest horse in the race.”

At Santa Anita, trainers from A (Paul Aguirre) to Z (Howard Zucker) all were on board with Justify.